After being shown as a concept in 2022, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is transforming from show car to road car. Announced as part of the documentary series The Anatomy of a Comeback, detailing Renault’s recent reinvention, the hardcore hyper hatch modernises the spirit of the ‘80s homologation special.

The announcement comes 44 years after the launch of the original mid-engined, rear-wheel drive Turbo models, and the 3E continues the theme of bespoke construction and a unique powertrain. Mounted at the rear are in-wheel electric motors which will deliver over 500bhp combined. This setup allows for precise power application and torque vectoring across the rear axle. A top speed hasn’t yet been quoted, but 0-62mph will take less than 3.5-seconds.

While the car is clearly a Renault 5 at heart, the only components that have been carried over from the regular model are the rear lights and the door mirrors - the 3E even loses two doors. Hand-built around a bespoke carbon fibre monocoque, the high-performance model incorporates styling features inspired by motorsport and the rally heritage of the 5 Turbo. Flared wheelarches that would make a tank jealous house 20” aerodynamically optimised alloy wheels on both axles. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres measure 245/35 at the front, and 275/35 at the rear.

Widened sills control airflow along the side of the car, and double-NACA duct air intakes ahead of the rear axle. The charging port will be hidden within one of these intakes, directly honouring the intake-mounted fuel filler cap of the original turbo models. The front of the 3E uses a segregated light design with the headlights and indicators separate from each other, with three air intakes at the top of the bumper. The bonnet features an enormous cutout to make way for a raised centre section - presumably for nose-mounted radiators.

The rear is dominated by aerodynamics, with a gargantuan diffuser sitting below two air outlets that flank the tailgate. The swelled arches are reminiscent of the Clio V6 when viewed from behind. Capping off the styling, the Turbo 3E wears a heritage-inspired yellow, black and white livery that was commonplace on Renault racers throughout the 1970s and 80s.

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Details like the battery size, charging times, driving range and even the cabin layout are yet to be confirmed, but Renault has said that more details will follow throughout 2025 ahead of the car’s launch. Pricing is expected to be at least £100,000, and the car will be hand-built in limited numbers. The Turbo 3E revives a hot hatch icon while sticking true to the spirit of the original, with bespoke construction, and a significant increase in performance. 

Renault are on a roll at the minute, with favourable reviews for the regular Renault 5, and its Alpine A290 performance variant, plus the eagerly anticipated return of the Twingo in 2026. Once again mining their heritage to good effect, the new 5 Turbo 3E looks set to be the appropriate halo cherry on top.